Notes on Comments by John Adams, [1–14 January 1799]
Notes on Comments by John Adams
[1–14 Jan. 1799]
In a conversation with Dr. Ewen, who told the Presidt one of his sons was an Aristocrat the other a Democrat, the P. asked if it was not the youngest who was the Democrat. yes, said Ewen. well said the Presidt. a boy of 15. who is not a democrat is good for nothing. & he is no better who is a democrat at 20. Ewen told Hurt, and Hurt told me.
MS (DLC: TJ Papers, 105:17951); entirely in TJ’s hand, including date added in margin: “1799. Jan.”; written on same sheet as, and previous to, Notes on Comments by Timothy Pickering and John Adams, 14 Jan. 1799.
Dr. Ewen: John Ewing. The Reverend John Hurt, a former chaplain of Virginia and U.S. troops, was an acquaintance and political supporter of TJ ( , 13:233; 17:387, 388n; , 1:559; Hurt to TJ, 31 Aug. 1801).